Momentum Over Motivation: Building Habits That Stick
Let's explore why motivation is unreliable and how small, consistent actions can create self-sustaining habits. Say goodbye to waiting for inspiration and hello to habits that stick!
12/22/2024
Motivation gets a lot of credit, doesn’t it?
The truth? Motivation is like that friend who hypes you up at brunch but disappears when it’s time to help you move. Sure, it’s nice to have, but it’s unreliable.
Momentum, on the other hand, is the dependable friend who shows up with pizza and a dolly. If you want habits that last, you need momentum—not fleeting bursts of motivation.
Motivation’s Biggest Flaws
It’s Unpredictable
One day you’re motivated to conquer the world, the next you can’t even conquer your laundry. Relying on motivation is like waiting for the perfect weather to go for a run. Spoiler: it’s probably never going to happen.It’s Overrated
Motivation is a great starter, but it’s a terrible finisher. It gets you excited to sign up for a marathon but doesn’t help you get out of bed for those 6 a.m. training runs.It’s Easily Derailed
Have you ever been highly motivated to eat healthy… until someone brings donuts to the office? That’s motivation for you—flimsy in the face of temptation.
Why Momentum Is Better
Momentum, unlike motivation, doesn’t depend on how you feel. It’s about building energy through small, consistent actions.
Once you get the ball rolling, it’s much easier to keep it going.
It’s Self-Sustaining: The more you do something, the easier it gets. Momentum turns actions into habits that feel automatic.
It Overcomes Resistance: Starting is often the hardest part. Momentum makes starting less of a hurdle because you’re already in motion.
How to Build Momentum and Make It Stick
1. Start Small
Forget grand gestures. Momentum thrives on tiny wins.
Want to start exercising? Begin with a five-minute walk.
Think of it as planting a seed. Over time, that little habit grows into something bigger.
Funny Take: You’re not running a marathon tomorrow. You’re running to the mailbox and back, and that’s perfectly fine.
2. Be Consistent
Momentum loves consistency, not perfection.
Even if you’re only doing the bare minimum, showing up regularly keeps the wheels turning.
Example: Want to journal every day? Commit to writing just one sentence.
3. Track Your Progress
Nothing builds momentum like seeing how far you’ve come.
Use a habit tracker or even just a calendar to mark off each day you complete your habit.
Humorous Tip: Turning habit tracking into a streak is addictive. “Can’t break my 27-day flossing streak now—I’m practically a dental influencer!”
4. Attach Habits to Existing Routines
Pairing new habits with existing ones creates a seamless flow. For example, if you want to meditate, do it right after brushing your teeth. This is called habit stacking, and it’s a game-changer.
Example: “Teeth brushed? Meditation done. Look at me, basically a Zen master!”
5. Focus on Identity, Not Goals
Instead of saying, “I want to run a 5K,” think, “I’m becoming a runner.”
Momentum builds faster when you tie habits to your identity rather than a specific goal.
MOMENTUM vs MOTIVATION IN ACTION
Imagine you’re trying to start a morning workout habit.
Motivation says: “Wake up at 5 a.m., do an hour of cardio, and drink a kale smoothie.” (Spoiler: Motivation’s gone by day three.)
Momentum says: “Wake up 10 minutes earlier than usual and stretch.” It feels easy, manageable, and non-intimidating. Before you know it, you’re lacing up your running shoes without even thinking about it.
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Warm wishes,
Latonya
Tools To Enhance Your Growth...
